Nike Vaporfly 4 vs Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4
A side-by-side comparison grounded in verdicts from 5 reviewers with every source linked. We don't invent quotes; every claim below is attributed.
Specs at a glance
Reviewers who wore both
Direct paired observations — reviewers who actually ran in both of these and wrote the contrast. This is the strongest comparative signal on the page.
Comparable weight (Evo only slightly lighter at Thomas's size 10.5) but Evo costs $500 vs $260
Lighter, lower stack, more ground feel and snap, but less bounce and midsole — better for shorter distances
Vaporfly 4 is more controlled, smoother and more natural; Pro 4 is more bounding/wild
Adios Pro 4 wins this round — softer, wider, more cushioned and a true marathon shoe at GBP 20 less; better for heavier runners.
Vaporfly 4 is not as springy but more controlled, more natural, less unstable
Pro 4 is heavier (237g vs 210g) but cheaper, has rods rather than a plate, a more aggressive rocker, softer foam, wider platform and is more stable and protective for the half/full marathon
Adios Pro 4 is 20 quid cheaper
Pro 4 is more swayed toward marathon distance; Vaporfly 4 is more nimble, lightweight, and agile, better suited to half marathon and shorter
Better value, more durable, more versatile use case at a discount
Vaporfly 4 takes a more direct, lower-stack path versus the bigger super shoes like the Adios Pro 4
More cushion, more bounce, more midsole; better suited for marathon distance
Adios Pro 4 wins — wider forefoot/heel, much softer foam, better outsole durability, and a clear marathon shoe; cheaper by GBP 20.
Pro 4 is significantly lower priced at 220 quid
Nike Vaporfly 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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EDDBUD says the Vaporfly 4 became one of his favorites after initially disliking it — great lockdown since the offset lacing was dropped, very light, and durable outside of sharp debris.
Fit:Sizing is a bit sporadic across colorways currently on sale.
In their words: "kind of become one of my favorites" · "great lockdown" · "very light shoe"
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#4 carbon racer. Brings Vaporfly closer to Alphafly aesthetic — execution issues but still fun at fast paces. Extremely lightweight.
In their words: "still very fun for running very fast" · "extremely lightweight shoe" · "execution issues going on with this shoe"
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A solid but limited race shoe that feels light and quick at shorter distances but lacks the midsole and bounce for longer races, especially the marathon.
Ride:Lighter and closer to the ground than Vaporfly 3 with snappy, responsive ride and reliable landings; lacks midsole bounce and feels limited at longer distances; works well for shorter, faster efforts.
Fit:Roomier than expected for such a lean, small-looking shoe with plenty of space for the big toe; race-hugging without feeling cramped, with some heel slipping fixable with attentive lacing; stay true to size.
In their words: "designed for shorter distances" · "doesn't have enough midsole for me" · "a half marathon sweet spot"
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Not a flop — still a top-tier super shoe, but Nike has narrowed its purpose to 5K and 10K racing, making it less versatile than prior Vaporflies and a poor pick for half marathon or marathon distances.
Ride:Lightest Vaporfly yet, makes 5K pace feel smooth and efficient; ZoomX shows quick compression where the foot lands
Fit:Best-fitting Vaporfly to date with a slightly more narrow forefoot, traditional tongue and a secure spike-like lockdown; no heel slipping for Ben
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 — what reviewers say
Ride profile: high cushion , neutral stability .
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EDDBUD found the Adios Pro 4 durable in the outsole and a great, super-soft racer overall, but recommends sizing up half a size because the insole lets your foot slide forward.
Fit:Runs about a half size small due to a slippery, slidy insole that lets the foot slide forward; size up half a size.
In their words: "great in terms of durability" · "quite slippery and slidy" · "great super soft racer"
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The most comfortable of Ben's three race day picks — carbon rods instead of a plate allow more natural movement, making it an excellent choice for longer race distances.
In their words: "most comfortable for me" · "can move a little bit more"
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The Adios Pro 4 is seen as a popular and successful racing shoe but reviewers don't feel as fast in it, and it is eliminated in the group stage.
In their words: "I've never felt that fast in it"
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BITR's preferred Adidas race shoe — beats the Pro Evo 2 at half the price.
Ride:First Adios Pro where BITR likes the foam — v3 was too dense and firm. Lighter and more responsive in v4 with a propulsive feel and distinct pop off the toe. Traction is fine on dry pavement. Knocks out the NB SC Elite V5 in Megan's bracket.
In their words: "almost feels blocky under foot" · "feels like slappy almost" · "more of a propulsive feeling"
Who should buy which
Use cases the reviewers above actually call out — one bullet per distinct take, attributed. Where reviewers converge (e.g. "5K to half marathon" appearing across multiple takes) the agreement is a stronger buying signal than any single voice.
Consider the Nike Vaporfly 4 if
- Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it. — EDDBUD
- 5K to half marathon; viable marathon option for seasoned runners — The Run Testers
- Runners who prioritize a comfortable, light upper in a race shoe but may find the foam underwhelming — EDDBUD
- Runners wanting one lightweight super shoe that covers easy through race day — especially those new to carbon — Doctors of Running
- Runners who want a lightweight, snappy, ground-connected race shoe for 5K to half marathon distances — The Run Testers
- Track workouts and shorter races where breathability and a narrow, light, fast platform matter — Seth James DeMoor
Consider the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 if
- All-out racing at faster paces; the lightest racer in the comparison — EDDBUD
- Marathon racing; verdict deferred to 2025 list. — Kofuzi
- Marathon racing where bounce and pop matter most — The Running Channel
- The most versatile super shoe in the test — 5K through marathon. EDDBUD's overall winner at 19/25. — EDDBUD
- Half marathon and marathon racing, with versatility for daily training use — EDDBUD
- Runners targeting marathon or longer who want cushioned protection and are comfortable with the fit; recommended for those running slower than sub-3 marathon pace — The Run Testers
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is a race shoe and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is a race shoe. By the numbers, the Nike Vaporfly 4 weighs 167g, has a 36mm heel stack and a 6mm drop, while the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 weighs 201g, has a 39mm heel stack and a 6mm drop. MSRP is $240 for the Nike Vaporfly 4 and $220 for the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4.
Should I buy the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
EDDBUD on the Nike Vaporfly 4: Racing for runners seeking a light, fast marathon/road racer at a bargain price, especially those with smaller/lighter feet who get the most 'explosive feel' from it. EDDBUD on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4: All-out racing at faster paces; the lightest racer in the comparison.
Per EDDBUD.
Has anyone reviewed both the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
Yes — Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, EDDBUD, Ben Parkes, and FORDY RUNS directly compared the Nike Vaporfly 4 and the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 in their reviews.
Per Believe in the Run, The Run Testers, EDDBUD, Ben Parkes, FORDY RUNS.
Which is lighter, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
The Nike Vaporfly 4 is lighter, at 167g versus 201g (men's 9) — about 34g less.
Which is more cushioned, the Nike Vaporfly 4 or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4?
Measured by stack height, the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 has more underfoot foam — 39mm at the heel versus 36mm.